Anthony Hopkins joins Noah cast

Darren Aronofsky directs this biblical fantasy epic which he also co-wrote and co-produced. The film is an adaptation of the story of Noah as he’s given a divine edict to build a great vessel to house animals and his family and save them from a watery natural disaster from God that will wipe out a sin-filled world. Russell Crowe stars as the title character, while Anthony Hopkins, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson & Ray Winstone play supporting roles.

The veteran actor has signed up to play Methuselah in the forthcoming Biblical blockbuster alongside Russell Crowe in the title role.

Director Darren Aronofsky announced the news on his twitter page, writing: ''I'm honoured to be working with the great sir Anthony Hopkins. We just added him to the stellar cast of #Noah. #methuselahlives (sic)''

Methuselah is the oldest person in the Bible, aged 969, and one of the people who is mentioned as living before the great flood, which saw Noah tasked to build an ark to save the world.

The cast of the movie - which is due to start shooting at the end of August - also includes Logan Lerman and Douglas Booth as Noah's sons while Emma Watson was recently announced to be playing Ila, the love interest of the elder sibling.

Darren, Ari Handel and 'Gladiator' screenwriter John Logan have all had a hand in penning the script for the movie, which will see Ari, Arnon Milchan and Chris Brigham all executive produce.

'Noah' will be filmed in Iceland and New York, and the motion picture is expected to be released on March 28, 2014.